The Author Is Dumb

The Author Is Dumb is a Substack focused on critical and personal perspectives on various forms of media including films, TV shows, professional wrestling, and literature. It explores themes of reimagining and understanding media, the dynamics of storytelling, and the impact of digital and traditional publishing on authors.

Film and Television Analysis Literature and Book Publishing Professional Wrestling Artificial Intelligence in Writing Digital Art and Scams Storytelling Techniques Personal Musings and Experiences

The hottest Substack posts of The Author Is Dumb

And their main takeaways

Bodies Bodies [A Primer]

6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Authorship Books Creative Process Personal narrative
  1. The author is working on a new book that will be written in real time and is focused on themes of faith.
  2. Unlike previous works, this book will not have a paywall, promoting access to everyone, while still appreciating paid subscribers.
  3. The style of this book might be different, potentially being more autobiographical and experimental compared to the author's other writings.

In search of a soundtrack

4 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎶 Music Albums Listening Writing Collaboration
  1. Music helps to create a flow when writing, making it easier to focus and get into the right mindset.
  2. Certain songs can bring back memories of specific books or writing projects, linking music with personal experiences.
  3. The author is looking for help from readers to create a playlist for their new writing project, encouraging collaboration and fresh ideas.

Bodies Bodies [1]

4 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Theology Literature Art Education Politics
  1. Exegesis is about understanding the Bible as a text. It means looking at the historical context and what the text really says, not just what you believe it should say.
  2. It's okay to study theology without being a believer. People take these classes for different reasons, and belief isn’t needed to engage with the material critically.
  3. The course involves challenging readings that are intended to push students. Engaging with these challenges is a key part of learning and growing in understanding.

Bodies Bodies [2]

3 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Community Literature Philosophy
  1. Life can feel difficult and uncertain, much like wandering in a wilderness. It's normal to experience doubts and feel lost at times.
  2. Faith sometimes grows in silence and struggle. Even when we don't have clear answers, we can choose to keep moving forward.
  3. We're not alone in our challenges. Many people face their own wilderness moments, and finding the strength to carry on can help build our faith.

The Curse (2023)

4 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration TV Series
  1. The show explores complex themes like reality TV, relationships, and art through absurd and tension-filled storytelling.
  2. The performances, especially by Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder, are standout and captivating.
  3. The finale episode is a bizarre and singular experience that blends humor, horror, and emotional impact in a thought-provoking way.
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Saltburn (2023)

4 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Critique Performance Satire
  1. The film Saltburn may have flaws but watching it was a blast.
  2. Critics tend to grade films on a curve and personal preference plays a big role.
  3. Saltburn is a messy film with sexually transgressive scenes, but its weirdness and audacity make it stand out.

A non regeneration regeneration story

4 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Entertainment Media
  1. In Doctor Who, the concept of regeneration allowed for the show's longevity by enabling recasting and cancellation simultaneously.
  2. Each Doctor in Doctor Who brings a departure from the previous one, creating a new show with a separate identity each time.
  3. The show's ability to reinvent itself through regeneration is unique and something only Doctor Who can continuously do.

Super Mario Bros. (2023)

3 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Entertainment Opinion Art Review
  1. The Super Mario Bros. (2023) movie lacks depth and original storytelling, focusing more on fan service.
  2. Current Hollywood trends prioritize fidelity to intellectual property over creative storytelling.
  3. Despite its entertainment value for young audiences, the film misses the opportunity to incorporate classic story elements for a more enriching experience.

Dangerous Things

1 implied HN point • 02 Jul 23
📚 Literature Books Reading eBooks Libraries Authors
  1. Books can provide us with new worlds and experiences that change us for the better
  2. Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to diverse works and should be supported
  3. Digital formats like Kindle can offer privacy and access to books, making reading more inclusive

Strong Force (1981)

1 implied HN point • 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Director Cinema Action
  1. Andy Wu's Strong Force (1981) is a historical film connecting wuxia and gun fu genres in Hong Kong cinema.
  2. John Woo's A Better Tomorrow (1986) transformed the Hong Kong action cinema style by focusing on street-level crime and gun play.
  3. Strong Force faced challenges and was not widely recognized, becoming a forgotten curio due to its controversial content and lack of impact.

The Instagram Art Swamp

1 implied HN point • 08 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration NFTs Scams Social media
  1. Be wary of scams in the NFT and crypto space, especially concerning offers that seem too good to be true.
  2. Watch out for Instagram engagement tactics that may not be genuine, such as DM requests for promotion packages.
  3. Beware of NFT brokers who promise exposure to big investors but may push you into paying more without delivering results.

Wrestling is wrestling but sometimes it sucks

1 implied HN point • 29 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Wrestling Entertainment History Storytelling Performance
  1. Professional wrestling transitioned from real competition to entertainment to cater to the crowd's desire for entertainment.
  2. The wrestling industry experienced different eras, such as the territorial system, the national expansion by WWE, and the peak popularity during the Attitude Era.
  3. Despite its flaws, pro wrestling uniquely combines storytelling, athleticism, and entertainment, offering a tailored and predetermined form of excitement.

Motion picture stories

1 implied HN point • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Film Art Narrative Music Experience
  1. Cinema can go beyond just storytelling and overwhelm audiences with various experiences.
  2. Film as a medium has traditionally been thought of mainly for delivering narratives.
  3. Exploring cinema as a form of overwhelming sensory experience, like music, may lead to new and more intriguing possibilities.

An appreciation of Psycho (1998)

1 implied HN point • 07 Mar 23
📚 Literature Film analysis
  1. Gus Van Sant attempted a shot-for-shot remake of 'Psycho' (1960), which was met with widespread rejection.
  2. It is nearly impossible to recreate a film shot-for-shot due to various factors, including actors and production details.
  3. Despite the criticism, the audacity of the experiment and the potential for reevaluation make 'Psycho' (1998) an interesting piece of filmmaking.

That Reminds Me Of...

1 implied HN point • 19 Aug 22
  1. The author got invited to be on a podcast called 'That Reminds Me Of...' where they discussed the most recent Thor movie.
  2. The author had a great time making jokes on the show and hopes to be invited back in the future.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives by subscribing to 'The Author Is Dumb' with a 7-day free trial.

Bodies Bodies [5]

0 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Hope Trust Community Emotional Support
  1. When facing uncertainty, it's normal to feel scared and confused. It's important to remember that we've been through tough times before, and there's comfort in trusting God.
  2. Faith means believing in God even when we don't have all the answers. It's about feeling assured that, despite the unknowns, God's love is still with us.
  3. Hope is key during chaotic times. Instead of worrying, we should support each other and respond with love, trusting that God has good plans for us.

Bodies Bodies [4]

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Creative Writing
  1. A new technology called Pythia has the potential to analyze a huge amount of data to make predictions about various events. This could include things like changes in markets or climate.
  2. The story explores uncertainty and confusion among characters as they deal with an unexpected phenomenon called The Body in the sky, leading to discussions about its meaning and implications.
  3. The characters are juggling personal challenges while trying to navigate their professional lives, showing the tension between work stress and their personal relationships.

Oppenheimer (2023)

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Film Critique Director Cinema Art
  1. The reviewer enjoys watching movies and shares thoughts on recent films like Mank and Oppenheimer.
  2. The reviewer discusses their mixed feelings on Nolan's work and specifically on the film Oppenheimer.
  3. The reviewer reflects on the lack of emotional depth and clear thematic message in Oppenheimer, questioning Nolan's ability to convey deeper meaning through his films.

Bodies Bodies [7]

0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama Essays Narrative
  1. David feels empty and struggles to find something engaging to watch on TV. The constant change of images and sounds adds to his sense of distraction.
  2. He is worried about his job and feels uncertain about his direction in life, especially after a complaint from a student.
  3. There is tension in his personal life, as he communicates with Anna about worries for their family and friends, showing a longing for connection and understanding.

Bodies Bodies [6]

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Popular culture Conspiracy Theories Science fiction Media Commentary Public Discourse
  1. A huge humanoid figure recently appeared in the sky, raising many questions about its origin and purpose. People are suspecting that it's not just a random space object but something deliberately placed there.
  2. Some believe this figure might be connected to advanced technology or alien surveillance, as it's humanoid and seems planned. The lack of government response makes people think there’s more to the story.
  3. There’s a growing belief that this is part of a larger agenda, with hints of upcoming disclosure from governments about extraterrestrial life. This situation might just be the start of something much bigger that we should be prepared for.

Thumb War 2024: Debates

0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debates Election GOP Candidates Trump
  1. Debates in US presidential politics may not significantly sway voter opinions due to increased partisanship and candidates spewing focus-grouped lines.
  2. Primary debates can be valuable for low-information voters to get a sense of candidates, especially unknown ones.
  3. Candidates in the GOP primary need to directly challenge Trump to stand out, as his base remains loyal even amidst controversies.

You don't want to be part of the X-Men

0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
😂 Humor Satire Comedy
  1. Being part of the X-Men may not be as glamorous as it seems
  2. The Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters may not provide a quality education
  3. The teachers at the school may not be well-qualified or provide a proper curriculum

Hustle and Grind

0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing Genres Marketing Authors Books
  1. Selling a book involves more than just writing - it's also about marketing and positioning yourself
  2. Genre fiction dominates the market, making it challenging for unique books to stand out
  3. Authors, especially indie ones, need to run ads, get reviews, and constantly promote their work to gain traction

Hammerbarn

0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Marketing Family Pop culture
  1. Bunnings rebranded as Hammerbarn to capitalize on Bluey's popularity.
  2. The event at Hammerbarn was chaotic with long lines and crowded aisles.
  3. Despite the crowded event, checkout at Hammerbarn was surprisingly quick.

Bodies Bodies [3]

0 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Space Physics Astronomy Biology
  1. There is a giant humanoid figure in the stratosphere, which is really huge and looks like a human but we don't know what it's made of. It's just sitting there and not moving at all.
  2. No one knows how this figure got there or if it's dangerous. It might even affect the weather and air travel because it's blocking the sky.
  3. Everyone is puzzled and scared about this thing, and scientists are trying hard to figure out what it is and where it came from. Governments are meeting to plan what to do next.

Senritsu Kaiki File Kowasugi (2012 - 2023)

0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Media Folklore Horror Japanese
  1. The series mixes found footage and ghost hunting styles, creating a unique kind of horror that often features strange Japanese folklore creatures called yokai. It's both creepy and fun to watch.
  2. As the series progresses, it develops complex themes around the characters and their relationships, making it more than just a silly ghost show. It explores deeper ideas like cleansing and personal growth.
  3. Despite some cheap-looking CGI, the series uses it to enhance the otherworldly feel of the story, which adds to its charm. The mix of goofiness and serious themes makes it a fascinating watch.

American Conspiracy

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conspiracy Theories Deep State Trumpism
  1. Visual information can often lead to pareidolia, where our brains see patterns that may not be there.
  2. Conspiracy theories, while often not based on truth, can reveal deeper truths about societal beliefs and fears.
  3. QAnon represents a complex meta-conspiracy theory that intertwines various other conspiracy elements and revolves around grievance politics and a warped sense of reality.

Bodies Bodies [12a]

0 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Narrative Character development Dialogue Atmosphere
  1. David feels awkward at social events and often finds himself trying to support Anna while she mingles. He'd rather avoid small talk and just go home.
  2. Alvin is developing a project that predicts future events using technology, which David finds hard to accept or believe. This creates tension between them.
  3. Anna is well-liked and confident, able to navigate social situations effortlessly while David struggles with his feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Bodies Bodies [12b]

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking tips Food culture Ingredients Meal Prep
  1. Braised short ribs are a delicious dish that require careful preparation and cooking. It involves seasoning the meat, searing it, and slowly cooking it in the oven to make it tender.
  2. The recipe also includes roasting root vegetables like parsnips and potatoes, which complement the rich flavor of the short ribs. Roasting helps to bring out their natural sweetness.
  3. Finally, a red wine reduction sauce is made from the cooking liquid, adding extra depth and richness to the dish. It's important to let the sauce thicken before serving it over the ribs and vegetables.

Bodies Bodies [11]

0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Drama Narrative Critique
  1. David is feeling stressed about a student's complaint regarding his teaching approach. He believes the complaint is more about the student’s expectations than his teaching style.
  2. Dr. Meriweather is concerned about David's well-being and thinks he might be losing passion for his work. He suggests that David should take time off to recharge and focus on his family.
  3. David acknowledges he has been drifting and may need to reflect on his teaching and personal life. He recognizes that he needs to reconnect with what he is teaching.

The AI are coming

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 22
  1. A new form of intelligent life will emerge, changing the way we view writing and impacting the publishing industry.
  2. Authors will still be relevant, but will need to adapt to stand out and connect with their audience in the face of AI-generated content.
  3. The emergence of AI poses a threat to authors, but also offers opportunities for those who can adjust to the changing landscape.

Bodies Bodies [10]

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Narrative Creative Writing Storytelling Dialogue
  1. Communication is key when faced with uncertainty. It's important to share information rather than keeping it classified.
  2. The public reacts strongly to unknown situations. Without clear answers from authorities, people might believe rumors or wild ideas.
  3. Collaboration is crucial. Different teams need to work together to find solutions and avoid panic, especially when resources are limited.

Bodies Bodies [9]

0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fashion Music Media Performance
  1. A young woman in Barcelona experiences a strange moment when everyone stops to look at the sky. It creates a feeling of suspense and curiosity among the crowd.
  2. The scene shows a shift from a bustling city life to an eerie silence as people start to feel uneasy. This change highlights human reactions in unexpected situations.
  3. A mysterious figure appears floating in the sky, prompting screams and confusion. This adds an element of mystery and raises questions about what is happening.

Bodies Bodies [8]

0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Prose Narrative Short Stories
  1. The story shows a man who feels watched and can't look away from the sky. He seems stuck in his thoughts, not paying attention to anyone around him.
  2. As he stares, a crowd gathers, confused and frustrated, trying to get his attention. They want to know what he's looking at and why he won't respond.
  3. In the end, the man finally speaks, telling the crowd they're being watched too. This makes everyone turn their gaze to the sky together, creating a shared moment of curiosity.

Bodies Bodies [13]

0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Creative Writing Short Stories Contemporary
  1. Friends often engage in reckless games, like running into traffic, to feel something exciting and alive. It shows how teenagers sometimes seek thrills together.
  2. The struggle of growing up with social media is tough. One person reflects on being treated like a product by parents who cared more about views than their child.
  3. Relationships can change when people focus too much on appearances or success instead of genuine connection, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

After Images [6]

0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The room felt suffocating and I couldn't sleep.
  2. An eerie event outside and disturbing thoughts kept haunting the narrator.
  3. Whiskey brought temporary relief but further distress later.